I Am Still Here...

I along with many others enjoy the art of blog stalking! I love to see what others are doing with their lives and I HEART pictures. Everytime I log on I am excited to see the new posts and adventures of my family and friends. Unfortunately, there are times when I click on the link anticipating that new post and am sorely disappointed to see that it is the same title and picture that I have been looking at for the last month. You know you have all done the same! For my fellow stalkers, I am sorry that I haven't updated lately! I thought about making seperate posts for everything that has occurred but that seemed too intimidating, SO I will make a photographic "highlights" post.

First, I have gained an AMAZING group of friends here in Cali. I have made some great memories with these guys!
Del Mar Races

Wendizzle, Marci and I

Surfing at San Onofre with Marci and Ali

Saying goodbye to my boy Willy!

Ali and Morgan-"the wet look"

Ali and Morgan-"the watermelon look"

Kristin and Morgan

Special of the Day-A Pete Sandwich

A few weeks ago, Ali, Wendy and I ran a half marathon on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada. Yes, its random but it was fun! It started at midnight, people dressed up like aliens, we had to wear headlamps and reflective gear and we LOVED it! My knee wanted to kill me off, but we survived and it was a really cool race! I would love to do it again. When planning for the race we decided to make a weekend of it and stay in Vegas. Kristin came along for the ride and Aaron and Peter couldn't resist the opportunity to paint the town with us as well! It was a fun weekend despite the pitiful amount of sleep!
Highlights of the trip:

1. Cafe Rio(twice)
Ali and Diz

Morgan and Aaron

Peter and Kristin

Pre-race meal at the Rio

Kristin did not run with us-hence the fact that she is NOT in a ridiculously hot outfit like us! :)

2. Dancing in front of the Bellagio



3. Aaron's desperate attempt to be Billy Ray Cyrus



4. Great Company





And of course, THE RACE!!!! Look out! We were H-O-T-T!






There is so much more that I need to touch on as this has been a great and eventful summer! But I have no patience left to add any more photos or stories! I will try to update it more often from now on! My love to all who read this!

Babies, Baptism and Batman

Last weekend, I went home to Utah. The reason for the visit was to watch my adorable Cade Louis Baldwin be baptized. It was a short trip but very much needed. Saturday, we visited the Baldwins and got the update from Carolynn. And I must say she is so adorable when she is pregnant! I was so glad to see those munchkins! I dearly miss them!
Since movies are so expensive here in Cali, I decided to take advantage and see The Dark Knight while in Utah. I must say it was amazing! I was literally speechless after it finished. I want to see it again!
After the movie, we headed to Riverside to help at the annual Mulligan Tournament. It is always fun,(not so much for my dad), and we never fail to be asked about a set up or two or three. Ask Ashlee about the crazy set up brought upon her! Hehe!!!!
While I was in town, I got to see my dear friend, Emily and little Andrew. Luckily for me, it happened to be the weekend of his blessing as well. He is so adorable and already a flirt at 3 months. So Andrew, if I am still single in 21 years, I am yours! I left my phone number in your car seat! :)
The crowning event and the purpose for the visit was the baptism. Cade is such a sweetheart and I am so proud of him. He looked so handsome and old(sad) in his white jumpsuit, and even more handsome in his shirt and tie! The baptism was wonderful and I honestly can't believe he is eight!
After the baptism, we had a BBQ at Corby and Carolynn's. It was fun to see everyone. But most of all, I love being with the kids. I was elated when Andelin wanted to sit on my lap during the baptism, when Bergen wanted to play at the house and nothing can be greater than getting a bear hug from Cadester! I just adore those kids.
Thanks to all my family for a fun weekend! It was good to be home!

"Say What You Need to Say!"

This may surprise you but last night I went to a great concert! I am often looking for concerts to attend because I ADORE it! There is something about good live music that makes me so happy and last night was no exception!
First, the company. I was accompanied by ten gorgeous,intelligent,hilarious ladies. We were definitely an intimidating group out on the prowl! We made the trip to San Diego, singing our hearts out and sharing the crazy stories of the day!
Second, Colbie Caillat. My kindred spirit, I love her music and feel like she is singing about my life! Lame? Maybe, but still true!
Third, John Mayer. I don't particularly find him hot, but he starts jamming on the guitar and I am gone, head over heels! I obviously need someone who is willing to serenade me! He is very talented and I enjoyed every moment. We had a blast singing along, we even got up and did a little groove during my newest favorite, "Say".
All in all the night was wonderful and the company superb!

If You Should Be So Lucky!

Presenting the newlyweds...
Laura and Jason Graham!!!Five years and she is still putting up with me!!!This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the sealing of my dearest friend and kindred spirit, Laura Pugmire Graham(aka Puglet Graham Cracker) to dear old Jason. After a long week in Pittsburgh, it was such a blessing to watch these two declare their desire and commitment to spend eternity together. It has been such a blessing watching and hearing the progression of their relationship since that magical New Year's Eve in Time Square. Although, I am not directly involved in the relationship, I have learned so much from their example. Thanks to Pug and Jason- I love you both! I could not be happier for any two people in the entire world!
As I sat in the Seattle Temple, I watched as the girl that I look up to and strive to be like, got exactly what she deserved, a man who ABSOLUTELY ADORES her! In the ceremony, the sealer shared words that really hit home and I felt the Spirit really teaching me. Pug and I have talked many times about the ins and outs of our relationships, why some things work and why others don't, and we came to the conclusion that is was something simple that we already knew~
It is a decision that has to be made!
I know there are a lot of factors that go into a relationship, but I think a lot of times, we are afraid. We are afraid to love someone and have it hurt, we are afraid to fall in love with someone that maybe isn't what we always thought we wanted, we are afraid to inflict ourselves on someone else... I could go on forever. The truth is you have to decide to love someone and then stick to your decision. I know the Lord will help us to see if our decision is not the most beneficial, but how can we know if we don't make the decision to try?
There are a lot of boys and girls in this world(especially in our culture) that are looking for the fairytale or the trophy, but I think its an excuse.It helps them avoid the responsibilty of making a decision that might be hard. I am guilty of that! Unfortunately, that doesn't get us where we ultimately want to be, with someone who ADORES us, despite the hard times. I walked out of the temple that day with a renewed sense of self! I am an incredible person who is willing to make that decision! I have a high capacity to love and forgive and look for someone who is man enough to do the same! I haven't found it yet, but I am currently taking applications! :) Because as my friend, Peter always says, "They'll be DARN (G-rated version) lucky to have me!"I want to say thanks to my dear friend Pug for being the person I want to be more like, to Jason for loving her as she should be, and to my dear Bostonian friends who allowed me to spend the day with them and share their camera! You are all magnificent!!!

A Tragic Day in Paradise...

I must make mention of the recent loss of a dear friend. The other night, I had the privilege of making the cut on the exclusive guest list for a night out on Jimmy's boat. It was quite the interesting and tragic trip for so many reasons!
If you want to hear the story, let me know I will tell you, but let's just say, Jimmy received 17 tickets from the coast guard,(they were ridiculous!), Jason Maughan broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder! It was horrible! I felt horrible for him! I am sure that it didn't help that there were forty people gawking over him in his pain. Now, don't get all worried, he isn't the one that passed. Jason will be fine! Amid all the craziness occurred a personal tragedy! As I prepared to walk to the back of the boat, I tried to secure my camera in my pocket, where it would remain safe. At that moment, I got bumped and my camera fell into the depths of the ocean! If I had been alone, I honestly would have broken down! I obsessed with taking pics and the saddest part was I lost a few pics that I really loved! So please join me for a moment of silence for my beloved Nikon!

Blue Crush?

One Saturday, I went surfing for the very first time. I have always wanted to learn and I have heard it is hard, but I was NOT prepared for this. I really loved the feeling of paddling out into the blue ocean the first little while, until my muscles started to realized that they had never been used before! Yikes!
All in all it was a good day and it was super fun attempting to catch the waves. Am I going to quit my job and tour the world surfing? Not likely. But maybe every other Saturday! Thanks to Eric for being the most patient teacher! We owe you big time.
P.S. I would post a pic but I no longer have a camera. Eric took a pic but Ali was not pleased with the shot so it was thrown out! Maybe next time!

The Friend Zone?

"The friend zone (or friendship zone) is a folk psychology concept found in many texts geared towards a male audience about "dating advice", or "seduction advice". In that case, that man would be mentally categorized as a "friend" rather than a lover, i.e. put into the friend zone." -Wikipedia


All my life, I have surrounded myself by the most AMAZING friends, the majority being of the male race! I have never thought this to be odd or extraordinary, I just tend to get along well with members of the opposite sex much easier than those of my own. I love it because I fell like they are always up front and real with me. I was discussing my current dating situation with a friend (this time a girl) and realized that I am the queen of putting myself in the friend zone. I don't know how I do it, but I am unable to flirt with the guys that I like. I treat every guy as though he is a good buddy old pal! Yikes! I guess that was fine for awhile, but I think it is getting me into trouble. I have met some great new guys and I need my guy friends that is certain, but I don't know how to escape the immediate entry to...the "friend zone". (Dun Dun Dun) They say it only happens to men, but I would be a great subject for a sociological experiment on women in the "friend zone"!

I'm Proud to Be an American!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I LOVE the 4th of July. It is by far my favorite holiday. The weather is nice, I can sing patriotic tunes all day, and most of all, I love our family dinner and annual tradition of attending Stadium of Fire. It may be a little cheesy but I love it! My cousins and I always break out in song, as the theme song, "Stadium of Fire", blasts through Cougar Stadium. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the celebration this year. I was super sad! Luckily, my new home provided amble entertainment. The morning started off by picking up and shuttling in a few friends, getting ready for our beach adventures. Due to the convenient location of our beach cottage, we became the headquarters for the day. The day was beautiful! Boys and girls alike, minus Ali, soaked up the sun. Kelly, Peter and I enjoyed some boogey boarding, Kate and I practiced our Smashball skills and diverted ourselves with intriguing people watching!
Later, we jumped on our cruisers and headed to Huntington for a few BBQ's, it was a fun gathering of the OC's finest, Mormon style!
After the final BBQ, we migrated to the beach for a glorious display of fireworks! I have to admit that it always makes me a little sentimental! I love the 4th and although I wasn't where I normally love to be, it was definitely a day to remember!